‘X Factor’ Recap: Lorie Moore, 34, Blows The Judges Away With Soul

Read on for HollywoodLife.com’s top five auditions of the night, then tell us YOUR favorite singer!

The X Factorlaunched into its third week of auditions Sept. 25, and while the episode began with the usual parade of tone-deaf buffoons, a few contestants managed to shine bright and make it through to the next round — including Lorie Moore, 34, who brought the hiz-ouse down with her powerful performance of “I Have Nothing.” And that’s clearly a lie, because she definitely has something: the x factor!

Emery Kelly Refuses To ‘Give Up’

The first collective “yes” went to 15-year-old Long Island-native Emery Kelly, whom the judges immediately compared to Bruno Mars – mostly because he wears a hat and is kind of small. Pulling from a different crooner’s repertoire, the energetic whippersnapper sang Jason Mraz‘s “I Won’t Give Up.” I didn’t hear anything special in his voice, and I didn’t think the judges did either, especially when they stopped him midway through his performance. Strangely enough, the judges loved him, and Demi Lovatoeven told him, “You’re what we’re looking for.”

Khaya Cohen Gets A Second Chance

Next up was Khaya Cohen, who put a spell on the judges by singing — wait for it — “I Put A Spell On You!” The Nina Simone classic showed off the 15-year-old singer’s range, but I’m honestly surprised that her lackluster rendition earned her even one yes, much less four. Kelly Rowlandtold Khaya she “blew the roof off this place,” but if you ask me, I’d say she pretty much just blew.

James Kenney: Father Sings Best

James Kenney, 35, was a little older than the first two singers who got yes’s tonight, but he was no less talented. In fact, James — whose wife and kids were on hand to celebrate his victory — was pretty damn good! Deminoted that his rendition of “Summertime” was “pretty sexy,” and I have to agree. I’m glad he decided to give The X Factor another shot, after auditioning to much less fanfare in season one!

Wesley Mountain Is A ‘Wanted’ Man

This next crooner proved to be a lot more than just “a little bit country” with his spin on Hunter Hayes‘ “Wanted.” After planting a big wet one on Kelly’s hand — and pretty creepily, I might add — 19-year-old Wesley Mountain launched into his audition, and with a raspy voice at the ready, he immediately grabbed the judges’ attention. Paulina Rubiocautioned him to “keep your feelings apart,” but she still gave him a yes, along with the other three judges.

And The Rest…

Just because the auditions listed above were my favorites, they were hardly the only singers who made it through to the next round. Here’s a list of the other competitors who received yes’s from the judges: